V650 Flex: The Solution to Unreliability in SLA 3D Printing

Stratasys surprised everyone when they announced their own commercial SLA (Stereolithography) 3D printer. Stratasys has always been a leader in PolyJet and FDM 3D printing but the V650 Flex SLA printer gives them influence in a new technology market.

Why Use SLA?

Unlike FDM and Polyjet, SLA systems use lasers to selectively harden section of an open vat of photocurable resin, one layer at a time. SLA produces extreme levels of detail and very smooth surface finishes. It is one of the most adopted forms of 3D printing and offers some of the lowest cost per part of the industry.

SLA Primary Uses:

Highly transparent models

Mold patterns

Low ash burnout parts

Rubber-like applications

Bio-compatible/Dental

V650 Flex Features

The V650 Flex will feature a 20 x 20 x 23” build volume, an X/Y resolution of 0.0005”, and a 0.002” or greater layer thickness. The system will also feature an adjustable laser beam width, between 0.005” & 0.030” to maximize speed and resolution. Unlike previous Stratasys systems, the V650 Flex will be an open material platform. Users will be able to use any 355nm curable resin, along with 4 commonly used material pre-set profiles from a partnership with DSM SOMOS. With interchangeable vats and multiple planned vat sizes, users will be able to optimize material usage for maximum efficiency.

Why Stratasys?

The V650 Flex is for SLA operators designed by SLA operators, with reliability and user-friendliness being the utmost importance. Despite the company being new to the commercial SLA market, the V650 Flex has been in operation at Stratasys Direct Manufacturing service bureau for the past 4 years. This means Stratasys has proven the dependability and industrial robustness of the system while operating in a 24/7 nonstop environment